10540710

Electronic Component Sourcing User Interface

PublishedJanuary 21, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
21 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A non-transitory program storage medium on which are stored instructions executable by a processor to perform operations for generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the operations comprising: displaying a first axis marked in units of price; displaying a second axis marked in units of time, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; plotting a plurality of data points with respect to the first axis and the second axis, each of the plurality of data points corresponding to an offer to sell the electronic component and defining an ordered pair having a first value, plotted along the first axis, representative of a unit price of the electronic component and a second value, plotted along the second axis, representative of a lead time associated with purchasing the electronic component; displaying a purchase order panel, adjacent to the first and second axes, by which a user of the graphical user interface may initiate a purchase of the electronic component according to a selected offer; populating the purchase order panel with the unit price of the electronic component according to the selected offer in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points; displaying an offer list, each item of the offer list corresponding to one of the plurality of data points; and positioning an indicator with respect to one of the items of the offer list in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 1 wherein each item of the offer list includes a display of any price breaks associated with the corresponding offer.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a non-transitory program storage medium for managing and displaying offer lists in a digital system, particularly addressing the need for clear and comprehensive presentation of pricing information to users. The system stores and retrieves offers, each of which may include multiple price breaks, such as discounts, bulk pricing, or tiered pricing structures. The medium is configured to display each offer in an offer list, ensuring that any associated price breaks are clearly visible to the user. This enhances transparency and decision-making by allowing users to easily compare offers based on pricing details. The system may also include additional features, such as filtering or sorting offers based on price breaks, to further assist users in evaluating options. The invention aims to improve user experience by providing a structured and informative display of pricing information, reducing ambiguity and aiding in efficient selection of offers.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 2 wherein each item of the offer list further includes a purchase order quantity input field and a display of a subtotal that is calculated in response to a quantity entered by a user in the purchase order quantity input field, the calculation of the subtotal taking into account any price breaks associated with the corresponding offer.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a non-transitory program storage medium for an electronic procurement system that enhances user interaction with offer lists. The system addresses the inefficiency in traditional procurement processes where users must manually calculate subtotals for bulk purchases, leading to errors and time delays. The medium stores executable instructions that generate a user interface displaying an offer list, where each item includes a purchase order quantity input field. As a user enters a quantity, the system dynamically calculates and displays a subtotal for that item, automatically factoring in any applicable price breaks or discounts associated with the offer. This real-time calculation eliminates manual computation, improving accuracy and streamlining the procurement workflow. The system may also integrate with other features, such as user authentication and offer filtering, to provide a comprehensive procurement solution. The invention aims to optimize bulk purchasing decisions by providing immediate feedback on cost implications, reducing administrative overhead and enhancing decision-making efficiency.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 1 wherein the operations further comprise displaying a filter menu by which a user of the graphical user interface may limit the plurality of data points in accordance with one or more chosen filters.

Plain English Translation

A system for data visualization and analysis provides a graphical user interface that displays a plurality of data points representing information from a dataset. The system includes a non-transitory program storage medium storing executable instructions that, when executed, perform operations to enhance data visualization. These operations include displaying a filter menu that allows a user to limit the displayed data points based on one or more selected filters. The filters may include criteria such as time ranges, data categories, or specific values, enabling users to refine the dataset to focus on relevant information. The system dynamically updates the visualization in response to the applied filters, ensuring that the displayed data points reflect the filtered criteria. This functionality improves data analysis by allowing users to interactively explore and refine large datasets, making it easier to identify trends, patterns, or outliers. The filter menu may be integrated into the graphical user interface, providing a user-friendly way to customize the data view without requiring complex commands or external tools. The system is particularly useful in applications where users need to analyze large or complex datasets, such as in business intelligence, scientific research, or financial analysis.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 4 wherein the filter menu includes one or more filters selected from the group consisting of full factory packaging, partial factory packaging, manufacturer direct vendor, franchised distributor vendor, stock delivery, lead time delivery, tape and reel packaging, cut tape packaging, tray packaging, tube packaging, ammo packaging, bulk packaging, and manufacturing date code more than two years old.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a non-transitory program storage medium containing instructions for a system that manages and filters electronic component inventory. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently organizing and retrieving electronic components based on various packaging and supply chain attributes. The program includes a filter menu that allows users to refine inventory searches using specific criteria. The filter menu supports multiple packaging types, such as full factory packaging, partial factory packaging, tape and reel packaging, cut tape packaging, tray packaging, tube packaging, ammo packaging, and bulk packaging. It also includes supply chain-related filters like manufacturer direct vendor, franchised distributor vendor, stock delivery, lead time delivery, and manufacturing date code more than two years old. These filters enable users to quickly locate components based on packaging format, supplier type, delivery method, and age, improving inventory management efficiency. The system ensures that users can access relevant inventory data by applying these filters individually or in combination, streamlining the selection process for electronic components.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 4 wherein the plurality of data points is limited to a predetermined number in accordance with a selected ranking criterion.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to data processing systems that manage and analyze large datasets, particularly focusing on optimizing data storage and retrieval efficiency. The problem addressed is the computational and storage burden of handling extensive datasets, which can slow down processing and increase resource consumption. The solution involves a non-transitory program storage medium containing instructions for managing data points, where the number of data points is dynamically limited based on a selected ranking criterion. This ensures that only the most relevant or highest-ranked data points are retained, reducing storage requirements and improving processing speed. The ranking criterion can be based on factors such as data relevance, recency, or importance, allowing the system to adapt to different use cases. The invention also includes a method for selecting and storing data points, where the selection is governed by predefined rules or user-defined criteria. This approach enhances system performance by focusing on the most critical data while discarding less relevant information. The overall goal is to balance data retention with computational efficiency, making the system more scalable and responsive.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 6 wherein the filter menu allows the user to designate the selected ranking criterion from among one or more ranking criteria.

Plain English Translation

A system for filtering and ranking data entries in a database or search results interface includes a graphical user interface (GUI) with a filter menu that allows users to select and apply ranking criteria to organize the displayed entries. The system retrieves data entries from a database based on user input, such as search queries or predefined filters, and presents them in a ranked order. The filter menu provides a list of available ranking criteria, such as relevance, date, popularity, or user-defined metrics, enabling users to choose how the entries should be sorted. The system then processes the retrieved entries according to the selected ranking criterion and displays them in the specified order. This allows users to efficiently navigate and prioritize data based on their preferences or specific needs, improving the usability and effectiveness of the search or filtering process. The system may also support multiple ranking criteria, allowing users to further refine the ordering of results. The GUI dynamically updates the displayed entries in response to changes in the selected ranking criterion, ensuring real-time adjustments to the presentation of data.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 7 wherein the one or more ranking criteria include lowest unit price and shortest lead time.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for optimizing procurement decisions in supply chain management involves evaluating multiple suppliers based on predefined criteria to select the most suitable supplier for a given procurement request. The system includes a database storing supplier information, a ranking module that evaluates suppliers against one or more ranking criteria, and a selection module that identifies the optimal supplier based on the evaluation. The ranking criteria may include factors such as the lowest unit price and shortest lead time, among others, to ensure cost-efficiency and timely delivery. The system processes procurement requests by comparing suppliers' offerings against these criteria, generating a ranked list of suppliers, and selecting the best match. This approach automates supplier selection, reducing manual effort and improving decision-making by objectively assessing supplier performance against key procurement metrics. The system can be implemented via a non-transitory program storage medium containing executable instructions for performing these functions, ensuring scalability and adaptability across different procurement scenarios. The focus on lowest unit price and shortest lead time helps organizations minimize costs while maintaining supply chain efficiency.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 8 wherein the one or more ranking criteria further include a best offer criterion that is a function of unit price and lead time.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for optimizing procurement decisions in supply chain management evaluates supplier offers based on multiple ranking criteria, including a best offer criterion that combines unit price and lead time. The system receives procurement requests specifying product or service requirements, then retrieves supplier offers from a database. Each offer includes pricing, delivery time, and other relevant details. The system ranks these offers using predefined criteria, with the best offer criterion mathematically evaluating the trade-off between cost and delivery speed. This allows procurement managers to identify optimal suppliers that balance affordability with timely delivery. The solution addresses the challenge of selecting suppliers in complex procurement scenarios where multiple factors influence decision-making. The system may also incorporate additional ranking criteria such as supplier reliability, historical performance, or contractual terms to provide a comprehensive evaluation. The ranking process generates a prioritized list of suppliers, enabling data-driven procurement decisions that optimize both cost and delivery efficiency. This approach is particularly valuable in industries where supply chain disruptions or price volatility require flexible and adaptive sourcing strategies.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 4 wherein the operations further comprise adjusting the first axis and the second axis to accommodate a change in the plurality of data points in response to a user interaction with the filter menu.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to data visualization systems that dynamically adjust graphical representations of data in response to user interactions. The problem addressed is the static nature of traditional data visualizations, which do not adapt to user-driven filtering or changes in the underlying data. The invention provides a non-transitory program storage medium containing instructions for generating a graphical representation of data points along a first axis and a second axis. The system includes a filter menu that allows users to modify the displayed data points. When a user interacts with the filter menu, the system dynamically adjusts the first and second axes to accommodate the updated set of data points. This adjustment ensures the visualization remains clear and properly scaled, even as the data changes. The system may also include a data source interface for receiving the data points and a rendering module for generating the graphical representation. The dynamic adjustment of axes ensures the visualization remains informative and user-friendly, adapting seamlessly to user inputs. This approach improves usability by maintaining visual coherence during data filtering or updates.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. A method of generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the method comprising: displaying a first axis marked in units of price; displaying a second axis marked in units of time, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; plotting a plurality of data points with respect to the first axis and the second axis, each of the plurality of data points corresponding to an offer to sell the electronic component and defining an ordered pair having a first value, plotted along the first axis, representative of a unit price of the electronic component and a second value, plotted along the second axis, representative of a lead time associated with purchasing the electronic component; displaying a purchase order panel, adjacent to the first and second axes, by which a user of the graphical user interface may initiate a purchase of the electronic component according to a selected offer; populating the purchase order panel with the unit price of the electronic component according to the selected offer in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points; displaying an offer list, each item of the offer list corresponding to one of the plurality of data points; and positioning an indicator with respect to one of the items of the offer list in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) for electronic component sourcing, addressing the challenge of efficiently comparing and selecting offers from multiple suppliers based on price and lead time. The GUI displays a two-dimensional plot with a horizontal axis representing price in monetary units and a vertical axis representing lead time in time units. Multiple data points are plotted on this graph, each corresponding to a supplier's offer for an electronic component. Each data point forms an ordered pair, where the first value indicates the unit price of the component and the second value indicates the lead time for delivery. The GUI includes a purchase order panel adjacent to the axes, allowing users to initiate a purchase by selecting an offer. When a user interacts with a data point, the corresponding offer's unit price is automatically populated in the purchase order panel. Additionally, an offer list is displayed, with each item in the list corresponding to a data point. An indicator highlights the selected offer in the list when a user interacts with its corresponding data point, providing a clear visual link between the graphical representation and the detailed offer information. This system enables users to quickly compare offers and make informed purchasing decisions based on both cost and delivery time.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. A system for generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the system comprising: a server in communication with a user device; and a program storage medium on which are stored instructions executable by the server to perform operations for generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the graphical user interface accessible by the user device via a web browser or mobile application of the user device, the operations including: displaying a first axis marked in units of price; displaying a second axis marked in units of time, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; plotting a plurality of data points with respect to the first axis and the second axis, each of the plurality of data points corresponding to an offer to sell the electronic component and defining an ordered pair having a first value, plotted along the first axis, representative of a unit price of the electronic component and a second value, plotted along the second axis, representative of a lead time associated with purchasing the electronic component; displaying a purchase order panel, adjacent to the first and second axes, by which a user of the graphical user interface may initiate a purchase of the electronic component according to a selected offer; populating the purchase order panel with the unit price of the electronic component according to the selected offer in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points displaying an offer list, each item of the offer list corresponding to one of the plurality of data points; and positioning an indicator with respect to one of the items of the offer list in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points.

Plain English Translation

The system provides a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, addressing the challenge of comparing multiple offers from suppliers based on price and lead time. The interface displays a two-dimensional plot with a horizontal axis representing price and a vertical axis representing lead time. Each data point on the plot corresponds to a supplier offer, with its position indicating the unit price and delivery time for the component. Users can interact with these data points to view detailed offer information in an adjacent purchase order panel. The panel automatically populates with the selected offer's unit price and allows users to initiate a purchase. Additionally, an indicator highlights the corresponding offer in a list displayed alongside the plot, ensuring users can easily track their selection. The interface is accessible via a web browser or mobile application, streamlining the sourcing process by visually comparing trade-offs between cost and delivery time.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. A non-transitory program storage medium on which are stored instructions executable by a processor to perform operations for generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the operations comprising: displaying a first axis marked in units of price; displaying a second axis marked in units of time, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; plotting a plurality of data points with respect to the first axis and the second axis, each of the plurality of data points corresponding to an offer to sell the electronic component and defining an ordered pair having a first value, plotted along the first axis, representative of a unit price of the electronic component and a second value, plotted along the second axis, representative of a lead time associated with purchasing the electronic component; displaying a purchase order panel, adjacent to the first and second axes, by which a user of the graphical user interface may initiate a purchase of the electronic component according to a selected offer; populating the purchase order panel with the unit price of the electronic component according to the selected offer in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points; and displaying an offer list, each item of the offer list corresponding to one of the plurality of data points; wherein each item of the offer list includes a display of any price breaks associated with the corresponding offer; wherein each item of the offer list includes a purchase order quantity input field and a display of a subtotal that is calculated in response to a quantity entered by a user in the purchase order quantity input field, the calculation of the subtotal taking into account any price breaks associated with the corresponding offer; wherein each item of the offer list includes a display of a minimum order quantity and a minimum packaging quantity associated with the corresponding offer, and the purchase order quantity input field prevents entry of a quantity that violates the minimum order quantity or the minimum packaging quantity.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) system for electronic component sourcing, addressing the challenge of efficiently comparing and selecting offers from multiple suppliers based on price and lead time. The system displays a two-dimensional plot with a price axis and a time axis, where each data point represents an offer to sell an electronic component, plotting its unit price against its lead time. Users can interact with these data points to view detailed offer information in an adjacent purchase order panel. The panel automatically populates with the selected offer's unit price and includes an offer list that displays price breaks, minimum order quantities, and minimum packaging quantities. Users can input desired quantities in the purchase order quantity field, and the system dynamically calculates subtotals, accounting for applicable price breaks while enforcing minimum order and packaging constraints. This interface streamlines the sourcing process by providing a visual, interactive way to evaluate and select offers based on cost and delivery time, ensuring compliance with supplier requirements.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The non-transitory program storage medium of claim 13 wherein the purchase order panel includes the purchase order quantity input field and the display of the subtotal that is calculated in response to the quantity entered by the user in the purchase order quantity input field, the calculation of the subtotal taking into account any price breaks associated with the selected offer.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented system for managing purchase orders, particularly in an e-commerce or procurement environment. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently calculating and displaying pricing information for bulk purchases, including volume discounts or price breaks, to assist users in making informed purchasing decisions. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) with a purchase order panel that allows users to input a quantity for a selected product or service. The panel features a quantity input field where the user can enter the desired purchase quantity. In response to this input, the system dynamically calculates and displays a subtotal, which reflects the total cost of the selected items based on the entered quantity. The calculation accounts for any applicable price breaks or volume discounts associated with the selected offer, ensuring that the displayed subtotal accurately reflects the pricing structure for bulk purchases. This real-time feedback helps users optimize their purchase decisions by visualizing cost savings from higher quantities. The system may also include additional features, such as displaying the unit price, total cost, and any applicable taxes or fees, to provide a comprehensive overview of the transaction. The invention enhances user experience by simplifying the purchasing process and ensuring transparency in pricing.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. A system for generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the system comprising: a server in communication with a user device; and a program storage medium on which are stored instructions executable by the server to perform operations for generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the graphical user interface accessible by the user device via a web browser or mobile application of the user device, the operations including: displaying a first axis marked in units of price; displaying a second axis marked in units of time, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; plotting a plurality of data points with respect to the first axis and the second axis, each of the plurality of data points corresponding to an offer to sell the electronic component and defining an ordered pair having a first value, plotted along the first axis, representative of a unit price of the electronic component and a second value, plotted along the second axis, representative of a lead time associated with purchasing the electronic component; displaying a purchase order panel, adjacent to the first and second axes, by which a user of the graphical user interface may initiate a purchase of the electronic component according to a selected offer; populating the purchase order panel with the unit price of the electronic component according to the selected offer in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points; and displaying an offer list, each item of the offer list includes a purchase order quantity input field and corresponds to one of the plurality of data points; wherein each item of the offer list includes a display of a minimum order quantity and a minimum packaging quantity associated with the corresponding offer, and the purchase order quantity input field prevents entry of a quantity that violates the minimum order quantity or the minimum packaging quantity.

Plain English Translation

The system provides a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, addressing the challenge of comparing and selecting offers from multiple suppliers based on price and lead time. The interface displays a two-dimensional plot with a price axis and a perpendicular time axis, where each data point represents an offer to sell an electronic component. The price axis shows the unit price, while the time axis shows the lead time for purchasing the component. Users can interact with the data points to select offers, triggering the display of a purchase order panel that pre-populates with the selected offer's unit price. The interface also includes an offer list, where each item corresponds to a data point and includes a purchase order quantity input field. The list displays the minimum order quantity and minimum packaging quantity for each offer, and the input field enforces these constraints to prevent invalid entries. This system streamlines the sourcing process by visually comparing offers and ensuring compliance with supplier requirements.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. A method of generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the method comprising: displaying a first axis marked in units of price; displaying a second axis marked in units of time, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; plotting a plurality of data points with respect to the first axis and the second axis, each of the plurality of data points corresponding to an offer to sell the electronic component and defining an ordered pair having a first value, plotted along the first axis, representative of a unit price of the electronic component and a second value, plotted along the second axis, representative of a lead time associated with purchasing the electronic component; displaying a purchase order panel, adjacent to the first and second axes, by which a user of the graphical user interface may initiate a purchase of the electronic component according to a selected offer; populating the purchase order panel with the unit price of the electronic component according to the selected offer in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points; displaying an offer list, each item of the offer list includes a purchase order quantity input field and corresponds to one of the plurality of data points; wherein each item of the offer list includes a display of a minimum order quantity and a minimum packaging quantity associated with the corresponding offer, and the purchase order quantity input field prevents entry of a quantity that violates the minimum order quantity or the minimum packaging quantity.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) for electronic component sourcing, addressing the challenge of comparing and selecting offers from multiple suppliers based on price and lead time. The GUI displays a two-dimensional plot with a horizontal axis representing price (unit cost) and a vertical axis representing lead time (delivery duration). Each data point on the plot corresponds to a supplier's offer, with its position indicating the unit price and lead time for that offer. Users can interact with these data points to select an offer, triggering the display of a purchase order panel that pre-populates with the selected offer's unit price. Additionally, an offer list is shown, where each entry corresponds to a data point and includes a purchase order quantity input field. The list also displays the minimum order quantity and minimum packaging quantity for each offer, enforcing these constraints by preventing invalid quantity entries. This system streamlines the sourcing process by visually comparing offers and ensuring compliance with supplier requirements during order placement.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. A non-transitory program storage medium medium on which are stored instructions executable by a processor to perform operations for generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the operations comprising: displaying a first axis marked in units of price; displaying a second axis marked in units of time, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; plotting a plurality of data points with respect to the first axis and the second axis, each of the plurality of data points corresponding to an offer to sell the electronic component and defining an ordered pair having a first value, plotted along the first axis, representative of a unit price of the electronic component and a second value, plotted along the second axis, representative of a lead time associated with purchasing the electronic component; displaying a purchase order panel, adjacent to the first and second axes, by which a user of the graphical user interface may initiate a purchase of the electronic component according to a selected offer; and populating the purchase order panel with the unit price of the electronic component according to the selected offer in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points; wherein each of the plurality of data points is a different color, and the purchase order panel includes an element whose color changes to match the color of the data point corresponding to the selected offer.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) system for electronic component sourcing, addressing the challenge of comparing and selecting offers from multiple suppliers based on price and lead time. The system displays a two-dimensional plot with a horizontal axis representing price in monetary units and a vertical axis representing lead time in time units. Multiple data points are plotted on this graph, each corresponding to a different supplier's offer for an electronic component. Each data point is color-coded and represents an ordered pair of values: the unit price of the component along the price axis and the associated lead time along the time axis. Adjacent to the plot, a purchase order panel is displayed, allowing users to initiate a purchase based on a selected offer. When a user interacts with a data point, the corresponding offer's unit price is automatically populated into the purchase order panel. Additionally, the panel includes a color-changing element that matches the color of the selected data point, providing visual confirmation of the chosen offer. This system enables users to quickly compare supplier offers and make informed purchasing decisions by visualizing trade-offs between cost and delivery time.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. A system for generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the system comprising: a server in communication with a user device; and a program storage medium on which are stored instructions executable by the server to perform operations for generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the graphical user interface accessible by the user device via a web browser or mobile application of the user device, the operations including: displaying a first axis marked in units of price; displaying a second axis marked in units of time, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; plotting a plurality of data points with respect to the first axis and the second axis, each of the plurality of data points corresponding to an offer to sell the electronic component and defining an ordered pair having a first value, plotted along the first axis, representative of a unit price of the electronic component and a second value, plotted along the second axis, representative of a lead time associated with purchasing the electronic component; displaying a purchase order panel, adjacent to the first and second axes, by which a user of the graphical user interface may initiate a purchase of the electronic component according to a selected offer; populating the purchase order panel with the unit price of the electronic component according to the selected offer in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points; wherein each of the plurality of data points is a different color, and the purchase order panel includes an element whose color changes to match the color of the data point corresponding to the selected offer.

Plain English Translation

The system provides a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, addressing the challenge of comparing multiple offers from suppliers based on price and lead time. The interface displays a two-dimensional plot with a horizontal axis representing price and a vertical axis representing lead time. Each data point on the plot corresponds to an offer to sell an electronic component, with its position indicating the unit price and lead time of that offer. The data points are color-coded to distinguish between different offers. A purchase order panel is displayed adjacent to the plot, allowing users to select an offer by interacting with a data point. When a user selects a data point, the panel updates to display the unit price of the selected offer and changes its color to match the selected data point. This visual feedback helps users quickly identify and compare offers before initiating a purchase. The system operates via a server connected to a user device, with the interface accessible through a web browser or mobile application. The interface simplifies the decision-making process by providing a clear, interactive visualization of pricing and delivery time options.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. A method of generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the method comprising: displaying a first axis marked in units of price; displaying a second axis marked in units of time, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; plotting a plurality of data points with respect to the first axis and the second axis, each of the plurality of data points corresponding to an offer to sell the electronic component and defining an ordered pair having a first value, plotted along the first axis, representative of a unit price of the electronic component and a second value, plotted along the second axis, representative of a lead time associated with purchasing the electronic component; displaying a purchase order panel, adjacent to the first and second axes, by which a user of the graphical user interface may initiate a purchase of the electronic component according to a selected offer; populating the purchase order panel with the unit price of the electronic component according to the selected offer in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points; wherein each of the plurality of data points is a different color, and the purchase order panel includes an element whose color changes to match the color of the data point corresponding to the selected offer.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) for electronic component sourcing, addressing the challenge of comparing multiple offers from suppliers based on price and lead time. The GUI displays a two-dimensional plot with a horizontal axis representing price and a vertical axis representing lead time. Each data point on the plot corresponds to a supplier offer, with its position indicating the unit price and lead time for purchasing the electronic component. The data points are color-coded to distinguish between different offers. A purchase order panel is displayed adjacent to the plot, allowing users to select an offer by interacting with a data point. When a user selects a data point, the purchase order panel updates to display the unit price of the selected offer and changes its color to match the selected data point. This visual feedback helps users quickly identify and compare offers before initiating a purchase. The system streamlines the sourcing process by providing a clear, interactive visualization of key purchasing metrics.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. A system for generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the system comprising: a server in communication with a user device; and a program storage medium on which are stored instructions executable by the server to perform operations for generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the graphical user interface accessible by the user device via a web browser or mobile application of the user device, the operations including: displaying a first axis marked in units of price; displaying a second axis marked in units of time, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; plotting a plurality of data points with respect to the first axis and the second axis, each of the plurality of data points corresponding to an offer to sell the electronic component and defining an ordered pair having a first value, plotted along the first axis, representative of a unit price of the electronic component and a second value, plotted along the second axis, representative of a lead time associated with purchasing the electronic component; displaying a purchase order panel, adjacent to the first and second axes, by which a user of the graphical user interface may initiate a purchase of the electronic component according to a selected offer; populating the purchase order panel with the unit price of the electronic component according to the selected offer in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data point; wherein the purchase order panel includes a display of a minimum order quantity and a minimum packaging quantity associated with the selected offer, and a purchase order quantity input field of the selected offer prevents entry of a quantity that violates the minimum order quantity or the minimum packaging quantity.

Plain English Translation

This system provides a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, addressing the challenge of comparing multiple offers from suppliers based on price and lead time. The system includes a server connected to a user device and a program storage medium storing instructions for generating the interface, accessible via a web browser or mobile app. The interface features two perpendicular axes: a price axis marked in monetary units and a time axis marked in units of time. Multiple data points are plotted on this graph, each representing an offer to sell an electronic component, with their position indicating the unit price (along the price axis) and lead time (along the time axis). A purchase order panel is displayed adjacent to the axes, allowing users to select an offer by interacting with a data point. Upon selection, the panel populates with the offer's unit price, minimum order quantity, and minimum packaging quantity. The panel includes an input field for purchase order quantity, which enforces compliance with the minimum order and packaging requirements, preventing invalid entries. This system streamlines the sourcing process by visually comparing offers and ensuring order constraints are met.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. A method of generating a graphical user interface for electronic component sourcing, the method comprising: displaying a first axis marked in units of price; displaying a second axis marked in units of time, the second axis perpendicular to the first axis; plotting a plurality of data points with respect to the first axis and the second axis, each of the plurality of data points corresponding to an offer to sell the electronic component and defining an ordered pair having a first value, plotted along the first axis, representative of a unit price of the electronic component and a second value, plotted along the second axis, representative of a lead time associated with purchasing the electronic component; displaying a purchase order panel, adjacent to the first and second axes, by which a user of the graphical user interface may initiate a purchase of the electronic component according to a selected offer; populating the purchase order panel with the unit price of the electronic component according to the selected offer in response to a user interaction with a corresponding one of the data points; wherein the purchase order panel further includes a display of a minimum order quantity and a minimum packaging quantity associated with the selected offer, and a purchase order quantity input field of the selected offer prevents entry of a quantity that violates the minimum order quantity or the minimum packaging quantity.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) for electronic component sourcing, addressing the challenge of efficiently comparing and selecting offers from multiple suppliers based on price and lead time. The GUI displays a two-dimensional plot with a horizontal axis representing price per unit and a vertical axis representing lead time, where each data point corresponds to a supplier's offer for an electronic component. Each data point is an ordered pair, with the first value indicating the unit price and the second value indicating the lead time for purchasing the component. Users can interact with these data points to select an offer, triggering the display of a purchase order panel adjacent to the plot. The panel pre-populates with the selected offer's unit price, minimum order quantity, and minimum packaging quantity. The panel also includes an input field for the purchase order quantity, which enforces constraints to prevent entries that violate the minimum order or packaging requirements. This system streamlines the sourcing process by visually comparing offers and ensuring compliance with supplier constraints during purchase initiation.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

January 21, 2020

Inventors

Yashar Shahabi
Jens Gamperl

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Cite as: Patentable. “ELECTRONIC COMPONENT SOURCING USER INTERFACE” (10540710). https://patentable.app/patents/10540710

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